Worplesdon was originally designed in 1907 by John F Abercromby and was later remodelled by Harry Colt. The club made the decision to proceed with a complete bunker restoration programme on the Surrey heathland classic course, over three years and the work, undertaken by Grassform Ltd, was completed in 2004.
Using photographic records, Jonathan embarked upon the challenge of carefully and subtly reshaping the bunkers to reflect the style and character of Abercromby’s original vision, whilst satisfying the demands of a modern 21st century golf course.
Voted one of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the British Isles – Golf World Magazine
Peugeot Golf Guide – Europe’s Top 1000 Golf Courses
This is the third of the three “Ws” around Woking designed by John Abercromby, who worked with, amongst others, the inimitable Tom Simpson. On arriving you notice the winding first hole and the beautiful houses around the course. You never grow tired of that impression of privilege you get from playing golf over wide open spaces. A watering system has further enhanced green-keeping and the greens are very well defended by steep-sloping, heather framed bunkers which can cause all sorts of problems for high-handicappers who tend to top their sand-wedge shots. Putting surfaces are also very slick, so you’d better stay on the right side of the slopes and the right tier of the multi-tiered greens. If you are looking for a brilliant score, the pin placements here will dictate game strategy. While West Hill and Woking are, in a way, courses where the tee-shot is all-important, Worplesdon calls for excellence on your second shot. Choosing between the three would be like having to refuse the starter, main course or dessert in a good restaurant….
Peugeot Golf Guide rated 17/20.
Wycombe Heights Golf Centre, Buckinghamshire, UK
Wycombe Heights Golf Centre, operated by Burhill Golf & Leisure, is well known for its outstanding 18 hole Main Course, which was designed by former Ryder Cup captain and golf legend John Jacobs. Beautifully laid out on chalk downs and hills, the golfing challenge of this high quality golf course is every bit as enjoyable as the astonishing views over the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The facility is always maintained to the highest standard all year round, with immaculate greens, offering an enjoyable test for golfers of any ability.
The highly acclaimed 18 hole par 3 Short Course – also designed by John Jacobs – is a great place for regular golfers to sharpen up their scoring skills and an ideal, relaxed environment for families and new golfers to gain confidence while learning to play the game. With holes ranging from 77 to 157 yards, this course is fun to play, and is maintained to the same high standard as the Main Course. There is also a floodlit driving range and a short game practice area.
Our work here has involved the total redesign of the driving range outfield – creating a more playable and maintainable platform using imported inert subsoil. This project, which is currently under construction by Knowl Hill Ltd, is one of two we have gained planning consent for in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the other being at Caddington GC in Luton.
Photo Credit: JG/Andy Taylor